Eddie Howe Updates on Bruno, Miley Before Villa FA Cup Match
The Magpies are set to face Aston Villa in the Emirates FA Cup fourth round on Saturday, with kick-off at 5:45 PM GMT. They recently progressed in the tournament after defeating Bournemouth in the third round and secured a vital victory against Tottenham Hotspur, winning 2-1.
Eddie Howe Provides Updates on Player Injuries
Head coach Eddie Howe addressed media concerns regarding player fitness before the upcoming match. Two key players, Bruno Guimarães and Lewis Miley, will be absent, while there is positive news on Joelinton and Tino Livramento.
Injury Status
- Bruno Guimarães: The influential midfielder is recovering from a hamstring injury. Howe stated that they are still assessing the severity of the injury.
- Lewis Miley: Miley is dealing with a thigh injury caused by a dead leg. Howe is optimistic, mentioning that it isn’t considered long-term. Additional scans will help determine his recovery timeline.
- Joelinton: The forward is making progress in his recovery. Although he is unlikely to play against Aston Villa, Howe noted that Joelinton is feeling positive about his fitness.
- Tino Livramento: Expected to return in early March, Livramento is currently back on the training ground, working on his fitness and rehabilitation.
Importance of the FA Cup
Howe emphasized the significance of a strong FA Cup run, stating, “We would love to have one.” He acknowledged that while the fixture against Aston Villa is challenging, the team aims to perform well in the cup, hoping to advance further than last year.
Aftermath of Spurs Victory
The recent win against Tottenham has elevated the team’s morale. Howe noted the positive impact that a victory can have on training dynamics. He expressed the team’s focus on maintaining consistency as they prepare for the match against Aston Villa.
As the Magpies aim to build on their recent successes, the absence of two crucial players will test the squad’s depth. Fans will be watching closely to see how the team adapts in this key FA Cup clash.
